Ethereum's development ecosystem thrives on innovation, and a key part of that innovation happens on testnets. As of 2025, Sepolia and Holesky are the two primary testnets supporting Ethereum’s evolution. These networks allow developers and enthusiasts to test smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and protocol upgrades in a risk-free environment. This guide dives into everything you need to know about Ethereum testnets, how to get free test ETH via faucets, and why participating matters—even if the tokens have no monetary value.
Whether you're a developer building the next big dApp or a crypto enthusiast exploring upcoming projects, understanding how to access and use Sepolia ETH and Holesky ETH is essential.
What Are Ethereum Testnets? Understanding Sepolia and Holesky
Before diving into faucet mechanics, it's important to understand what testnets are and why Sepolia and Holesky dominate the current landscape.
Sepolia and Holesky: Ethereum’s Leading Testnets
Ethereum operates multiple parallel networks, with the mainnet being the live blockchain where real transactions occur. In contrast, testnets replicate the mainnet environment but use non-valuable tokens, allowing developers to debug, experiment, and simulate real-world conditions without financial risk.
As of 2025, Sepolia and Holesky are the officially supported Ethereum testnets:
- Sepolia: Launched in 2021, this proof-of-stake testnet is ideal for testing dApps and smart contracts. However, it does not support validator participation, limiting its use for staking-related experiments.
- Holesky: Introduced as a successor to the deprecated Goerli network after the Dencun upgrade, Holesky supports full node and validator operations. This makes it more versatile for comprehensive testing, including consensus layer behavior.
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Both networks play critical roles in Ethereum’s upgrade pipeline and serve as sandboxes for emerging DeFi, NFT, and Web3 projects.
How Faucets Provide Free Test ETH
To interact with any Ethereum-based network—even a testnet—you need ETH to pay for gas fees. On Sepolia and Holesky, this comes in the form of Sepolia ETH and Holesky ETH, respectively.
A faucet is a service that distributes small amounts of testnet tokens for free. These are typically limited per user (e.g., once every 24 hours) to prevent abuse.
Popular faucet platforms include:
- QuickNode: Offers 0.05 ETH per drip for both Sepolia and Holesky.
- Tatum: Provides 0.002 ETH daily.
- Bware Labs: Dispenses 0.025 ETH every 24 hours.
These services require only your wallet address—no personal data or registration needed in most cases.
Why Participate in Testnets?
While testnet ETH holds no market value, participation can yield real benefits:
- Early access to new dApps before public launch.
- Opportunities for future airdrops from teams rewarding active testers.
- Skill-building in deploying contracts, interacting with protocols, and troubleshooting transactions.
Many successful projects have historically rewarded early contributors who tested features on testnets—even if the reward wasn’t advertised upfront.
How to Get Sepolia or Holesky ETH via Faucet
Now that you understand the purpose of testnets, let’s walk through the practical steps to receive free test ETH.
Step 1: Connect Your Wallet to Sepolia or Holesky
The most common wallet used for Ethereum development is MetaMask. Here’s how to connect it:
- Open MetaMask in your browser.
- Click the network selector in the top-left corner.
- If available, select Sepolia Test Network from the dropdown.
- For Holesky, which isn’t preloaded in most wallets, you’ll need to add it manually (see next section).
Ensure your wallet contains an active address—you don’t need real ETH yet, but some faucets require minimal mainnet balance for spam protection.
Step 2: Manually Add the Holesky Network
Since Holesky isn’t automatically listed in all wallets, follow these steps to add it:
- In MetaMask, go to Networks > Add Network.
- Select Add a network manually.
Enter the following details:
- Network Name: Ethereum Holesky
- New RPC URL:
https://rpc.holesky.ethpandaops.io - Chain ID: 17000
- Currency Symbol: ETH
- Block Explorer URL:
https://holesky.beaconcha.in
- Save the settings. You should now see Holesky in your network list.
This configuration enables full interaction with the Holesky testnet, including deploying contracts and running nodes.
Step 3: Request Test ETH from a Faucet (Using QuickNode)
One of the easiest ways to get test ETH is through QuickNode’s faucet. Here's how:
- Visit https://faucet.quicknode.com/drip.
Choose:
- Chain: Ethereum
- Network: Sepolia or Holesky
- Paste your wallet address.
- Click Continue.
- Skip optional account creation prompts by selecting “No thanks.”
- Wait a few seconds—the tokens will appear in your wallet.
💡 Note: Some faucets like QuickNode and Tatum require at least 0.001 ETH on the Ethereum mainnet to verify wallet legitimacy. This prevents bots from abusing the system—but your mainnet balance won’t be deducted.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sepolia and Holesky Faucets
Can I trade Sepolia or Holesky ETH?
No. Testnet tokens like Sepolia ETH and Holesky ETH have no monetary value and cannot be traded on any exchange. They exist solely within their respective test environments and are not transferable to other ecosystems.
Can I use testnet ETH on Ethereum mainnet?
No. There is no bridge or conversion method to move Sepolia or Holesky ETH to the Ethereum mainnet. These tokens are isolated to their networks for security and integrity reasons.
Are Sepolia and Holesky permanent?
No testnet lasts forever. Current estimates suggest:
- Sepolia may be deprecated around 2026
- Holesky could remain active until 2028
However, these dates depend on network adoption, technical progress, and the emergence of successor environments. Always monitor official Ethereum announcements for updates.
Do I need real ETH to get test ETH?
Some faucets require a small amount of real ETH (e.g., 0.001) on the mainnet to prevent spam. This acts as a proof-of-ownership check but does not result in any deduction from your wallet.
Why do some projects reward testnet users?
Projects often distribute airdrops to early testers as an incentive for feedback and community engagement. While not guaranteed, consistent activity on testnets increases your chances of being recognized when a project launches.
Is using a faucet safe?
Yes—faucets from reputable providers like QuickNode or Tatum are secure. Never share your private keys or seed phrases. Legitimate faucets only require your public wallet address.
Final Thoughts: Why Testnet Participation Matters
While Sepolia and Holesky may seem technical or niche, they represent the frontline of Ethereum innovation. By using faucets to obtain test ETH, you gain hands-on experience with tools shaping the future of finance, identity, and digital ownership.
Developers can debug contracts safely. Enthusiasts can preview upcoming features. And everyone benefits from a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.
Whether you're preparing for a career in Web3 or simply curious about blockchain technology, engaging with Ethereum testnets is a powerful first step.
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